Home Maintenance Tips

Long Realty is pleased to bring you Household Maintenance Tips courtesy of our local Long Advantage business partners. The articles below covers an array of helpful and insightful tips for the Arizona lifestyle. We hope you find this information useful.

Be on the Lookout for Bees As Temperatures Rise

March 26, 2012

With temperatures rising quickly this spring and flowers blooming in the desert already, bees have started to become more active in Arizona.

That’s why you can’t forget to turn to the experts when they start buzzing around your neighborhood – be sure to call 1-800-GO TRULY for Truly Nolen Pest Control Services to come to the rescue!

Truly Nolen is here to provide some bee educational and safety tips to help avoid any unfortunate encounters.

What is a Swarm?

Bee swarming usually occurs from February through May and in October. With the establishment of Africanized bees in Arizona, bee stings must be taken seriously. Africanized bees will respond more quickly to protect the nest. They will sting in larger numbers and chase an intruder up to quarter of a mile or more.

How can I tell if they are Africanized bees?

Although the Africanized bee is slightly smaller, it's hard to tell the difference between a European and Africanized bee by just looking at the insect. The real difference is in the behavior of the bee. The Africanized variety is much more defensive. Any disturbance or threat to the colony can result in a vicious attack. Africanized bee colonies will inflict many more stings than European honey bees. Once agitated, they remain at a heightened state for an hour or more and may attack any source of movement. This bee will pursue its target for more than a mile. Humans and animals alike are in mortal danger when the Africanized bee colony feels threatened.

Once Africanized bee colonies invade an area, they produce ten times more swarms than the European variety every year. Within a few years, the Africanized bee becomes the dominant strain in every area it invades. Nests in Tucson and Phoenix are at least 98% Africanized.

The discovery of a bee nest or swarm generally creates a real sense of urgency. You may become anxious about the safety of your family, pets and property, and you will have an immediate desire to eradicate the bees.

We understand your concerns, and our technicians are ready to assist at a moment's notice.

Bee Safety Tips to Keep Around

Be cautious when dealing with bees and leave bees alone. If you are attacked:

Cover your face and your eyes

Run immediately into a building or vehicle

Do NOT swat at the bees as this will continue to agitate them

Do NOT jump into a pool

Where Do I Try and Look for Bees?

Regularly inspect your home and yard for signs of bees. Look for openings in trees, eaves, walls, BBQ grills, and water meter boxes as possible nest locations.

Do not attempt to move bees, throw objects at the swarm, or squirt with water.

Typically swarms are transient. They may set up temporary shelter in a tree for a few hours or even days before moving on.

If the owner/occupant wants to remove bees on a private residence or business, contact a beekeeper or exterminator.

Stay alert when horseback riding through brush or under low hanging branches where bees might nest.